Glossary · Finance

Construction loan

A construction loan is a short-term, interest-only loan that releases funds in scheduled draws as the home is built, then converts to (or is refinanced into) a permanent mortgage.

Construction loans typically require 20–30% equity, a fixed scope, an appraisal based on plans and specs, and a contingency reserve. Lenders fund the project in 5–10 draws, each tied to inspected progress milestones.

Two common structures: a one-time-close construction-to-perm loan, and a separate construction loan plus end loan.

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